Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Virginia

freedom of speech, questionable

I am the owner of 1 of 2 units in a duplex condo. The other owners listed ther unit for sale with a realtor. According to the realtor, they lost a sale (contract had been signed) because of what I had said to the perspective buyer regarding the need of certain repairs that would be common to both homeowners. The other owners had an attorney write me a letter stating that I could not speak with anyone about the property or I would be sued for financial damages that the owners would incur depending on the terms of the sale and how long it would take to sell the property. Have my rights to freedom of speech been violated? The property has since been sold, I have not spoken with the new owner yet, and I've heard nothing further from the previous owner's attorney. What do you think? Respectfully, Ann


Asked on 2/26/03, 6:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: freedom of speech, questionable

You have voluntarily refrained from talking about the condominium, and, therefore, the instruction by the owners attorney has not violated you right of free speech. Had you not voluntarily refrained from speeking, and he had tried to get some kind of order, or sue you for damages as threatened, her would have had great difficulty, and your rights most likely would have been protected, and you would have prevailed.

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Answered on 3/02/03, 7:42 pm


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